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LAHORE, Oct 07 (APP):The Punjab Home Department, in collaboration with the Punjab Charities Commission and Civil Defence, organised a special workshop on smog awareness and prevention at the Department of Social and Cultural Studies, Punjab University, here on Monday.
The one-day workshop aimed to educate stakeholders about the causes of smog and the collective measures needed for its control. A large number of students, civil society representatives, and environmental organisations from across Punjab participated in the event.
Prominent attendees included Pro Vice Chancellor Punjab University Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, CEO Punjab Charities Commission Col (R) Shehzad Amir, Director Civil Defence Punjab Tasneem Ali Khan, Additional Director General Environment Protection Department Dr Zafar, Director of the Institute Prof Dr Farhan Naveed, Prof Dr Zaeem bin Yasar, and civil society member Samina Ashraf.
Speaking on the occasion, experts said Pakistan has been among the countries most affected by smog in recent years, and urgent joint efforts by government institutions and civil society are required to curb the issue.
They emphasised that burning crop residue and garbage is a punishable offence under the law and urged the public to play their role in spreading awareness. They also stressed the need to curb the use of old diesel engines and ensure proper fuel monitoring at brick kilns.
Col (retd) Shehzad Amir said Civil Defence volunteers are trained to assist victims in all types of emergencies and noted that a growing number of youth are registering to volunteer, driven by a sense of service.
Director Civil Defence Tasneem Ali Khan said volunteers are actively engaged in awareness campaigns and on-ground operations against smog. Tasneem highlighted the continued relevance of the Civil Defence institution, which was established during World War II.
ADG Environment Protection Department Dr Zafar said the department is monitoring air quality through 41 AQI meters and using drone surveillance to identify and act against smog-emitting sources.
Experts warned that harmful airborne pollutants, once inhaled, become a permanent part of the bloodstream and pose long-term health risks. They recommended prioritising environmental protection in national development planning, drawing inspiration from China’s five-year model.